09 Nov Hope Against Pain – Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis Sufferers
Pain management is constantly evolving and for any arthritis sufferers, new hope has emerged in the form of stem cell treatment which, rather than simply masking the pain experienced can help to heal. Although in the short term, medication can help, it does not treat the cause only the symptoms. There has been much research into the way stem cells can be used to aid joint recovery and to reduce pain although, it is still not a mainstream treatment yet.
Stem cells work because they can help to restore normal anatomy and these cells can change into any cell type needed depending on their placement. This makes stem cells a highly flexible treatment. They are obtained through the individual’s own bone marrow or fat or they can be obtained through amniotic practices. It’s worth noting that a stem cell does not do anything as is when it is placed correctly, it should transform into the right cell so to begin developing and healing any particular body part. So, as an example, those stem cells which are transplanted near to any damaged cartilage can develop into healthy cartilage.
Stem cells are harvested from fat cells using liposuction or surgery. They can be harvested from the individual’s bone marrow which makes it a perfect healing tool for repairing arthritic joints. They can also be harvested by taking a blood sample. Most commonly, mesenchymal stem cells are used for those patients with arthritis. They are often injected into the arthritic joint or applied where surgery is necessary.
Currently, anyone who has severe arthritis may be eligible for treatment although, without specific guidelines as to who meets requirements, the decision is left to the doctors. Stem cell treatment is considered a safe treatment in the main as the stem cells come directly from the individual and usually, any side-effects are temporary – perhaps some slight swelling and pain. There are of course risks when any medical procedure takes place. Stem cells may be mixed with other chemicals or, cultured and grown in the lab.
Research is continuous as these cells offer much hope in the fight against arthritic pain and joint degeneration. It is now possible to benefit from a next-generation cell technology which uses adipose stem cells to help treat chronic cases of orthopedic conditions. Lipogems® harvests fat from the thighs and transfer it to the relevant area for repair. This can help heal tissue in the spine, shoulders, knee and hip areas. Find out more here.
For arthritic conditions, stem cells may suppress inflammation, release proteins (known as cytokines) which help to decrease pain experienced and to even slow down the degeneration of the cartilage tissue. They may develop into cartilage cells. Stem cell treatment for arthritis sufferers offers new hope in the search for effective pain management and may heal the individual to the point where little to no joint pain is experienced. If we consider arthritis affecting a weight-bearing joint such as the knee, we know that any pain or inflammation can affect the individual in multiple ways.
There will be restricted movement through inflammation, an altered gait which could lead to other health issues and of course, extreme pain which will limit movement. Stem cell treatments offer much in the way of hope but there are lots of questions to be asked i.e. how have others responded to similar treatments? How will the stem cells be harvested? What are the risks or potential complications? These are all important questions and guidance should always be sought from the professionals who understand the treatments. If you require more information on regenerative therapies, click here:
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